Sidmouth Festival as it happens

Subject: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Vic Smith
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 05:49 AM

A big thanks to Nancy Wallace, Sam Carter & Rosie Stewart for joining Tina and I in a lovely concert that we were performing in and compering at the Woodlands Hotel last night. Thanks also to Dan Quinn for joining us to play some tunes to warm the room up as people were coming in - it was just like being back at the Royal Oak in Lewes.

Today we look forward to the Folk Clubs Forum at the Arts Centre at 4.30 and then another concert at the Woodlands tonight. Come and join us if you are in Sidmouth.

Now we are off to the Volunteer for their lovely traditional singaround. Tune interludes by The Old Swan Band. Whoopee!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: SteveMansfield
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 08:23 AM

Live streaming of Sidmouth - bring it on!

Hope other people join in and make this a Sidmouth equivalent of the minute-by-minute coverage of the Test match ...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 01:53 PM

James Fagan & Nancy Kerr just came to Artist Reception specially to sing for Carl and Claire, two of our Reception Team who got married today - in their Sidmouth t-shirts!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Cllr
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 02:14 PM

brilliant concert with a finish from the melrose quartet - saw them at the globe at Topsham and they are wonderful as well, unfortunately it clashes with my shanty night so im not going to tell anyone Shhhh dont say they are on at the methodist church at 8.00

Mike Gibson

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 02 Aug 11 - 11:19 AM

What about Home Service?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Vic Smith
Date: 03 Aug 11 - 04:34 AM

Mudcat seemed to be down in the few minutes that I was at my laptop yesterday.... but so much has been brilliant.

Top time of all so far was Ethno In Transit at the Woodlands last night. An amazing high energy multi-cultural set. It was a priviledge for Tina and I to be compering this wonderful event that also had really great spots from Lester Simpson, Lady Maisery and Haddo

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 06:27 AM

Some of my many "Champagne Moments" so far:-
* Simon Ritchie step dancing on a rickety table top to the melodeon of Dan Quinn at the Arts Centre.
* The wonderful staging of Down The Lawson Track by Martyn Wyndham-Read, Shirley Collins and co. at the Manor Pavilion.
* The first time that I have seen Lady Maisery - in concert at the Woodlands - a powerful young group with a great future.
* The wonderful music of The Doyle Family. Father Simon on uillean pipes (Birthday yesterday when I saw him) and his three young daughters playing button box, banjo and fiddle - tight family music.
* Martin Carthy singing Mike Waterson's Bright Phoebus in a packed bar room at the Volunteer - What support he got in the choruses!
* The passionate and emotional renditions of Scottish ballads and his own beautifully structured songs by Alasdair Roberts at the Bedford.
* The Old Swan Band playing the band spot in the luchtime singaround at the Volunteer - mighty fiddles v. brass stuff!
* Whereever I have heard them - in concert or in informal session - the wonderful voices of three great Irish singers, Roisin White, Rosie Stewart & Jerry O'Reilly.
* Three top step dancers dancing together in their different styles - Lakeland, Sean Nos and East Anglian to Simon Doyles pipes.
* Thomas McCarthy - unassuming and underplaying his performances - but what a singer! What a find!
* The playing of Rod Stradling's band Phoenix in the bar at the Volunteer. They had a guitarist sitting in withn them - someone called Martin Carthy.
* Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies in concert.

Many, many more but I can't jjust sit here writing about them - I've got to go out and experience some more.
However, the very top totally-blown-away-moment as provided by the ten musicians from seven countries and three continents of Ethno in Transit particularly at the end of their spot when they were all plting at full pelt for the dancing of Hannah James.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Vic Smith
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 06:31 AM

The enthusiastic guest was clearly Vic Smith

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Vic Smith
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 01:20 PM

Some of my many "Champagne Moments" from a wonderful Sidmouth so far:-

* Simon Ritchie step-dancing on a fairly rickety table top to Dan Quinn's melodeon playing at the Arts Centre.
* The spot by Lady Maisery at the Woodlands. First time that I have seen thm and it was powerful stuff.
* The Old Swan Band providing the band spot at the Volunteer singaround. Mighty fiddles meets brass stuff
* The Sean Nos dancing of Brian Cunningham at the Arts Centre - really exhilerating.
* The singing of three great Irish singers who I seem to have heard many times this week in concert and in informal session - Rosie Stewart, Roisin White & Jerry O'Reilly Good on all three of you.
* The fabulous music of The Doyle Family. Father Simon playing the uillean pipes with three young daughters on button box, banjo and fiddle. Superb tight family playing.
* Martin Carthy singing Mike Waterson's Bright Phoebus with much support from a packed bar room at the Volunteer
* Three top step dancers in different British traditions, Lakeland, Sean Nos and East Anglian dancing together to the pipes of Simon Doyle.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Vic Smith
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 01:21 PM

Whoops! Switched on my laptop and it told me that I hadn't posted this.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Cllr
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 08:30 PM

Haddo were fantastic (will and nicky pound) They are the sort of act that make me want to run a folk club again just so i could book them.
Haddo took over from lester simpson ( who was dragged off to do the transports) and did the support for Brendan Power and Tom Eday in the methodist church an amazing evening (which i have to say i greatly enjoyed MCing)

Mike Gibson

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Alan Day
Date: 05 Aug 11 - 03:48 PM

I enjoyed my day there on Thursday.
Al

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Aug 11 - 05:55 PM

Only 2 real issues for me. . . Folk Week is not long enough and it is too long before the next Folk Week.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 01:39 AM

Was it Tim Edey with Brendan Cllr?
Al

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Cllr
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 05:45 AM

yes Al it was a typo thanks for pointing it out

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Cllr
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 05:46 AM

sorry Ab I mean,

Last night was a great finish to the festival, the sky is now blue Im thinking of hitting the beach later...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,SteveT
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 06:58 AM

I'd rather have put these comments on a feedback form but they seemed to be in short supply last night and I can't find anywhere on the web-site to download a form or give feedback. (I'm sure they can't have overlooked this but I'm not very technologically minded so if anyone can put up a link I'd be grateful.)

Highlights –

The daily Ballad sessions at the Woodlands. Lovely venue, well run (my wife commented on her visit how supportive and friendly everyone was) and with some of the best singers around. Add to that a knowledgeable MC and clientele and the opportunity to hear these wonderful songs that usually get squeezed out of folk clubs and singarounds and you have the perfect way to spend two hours each day.

The Irish Roots concert. Amazing dancing from Brian Cunnigham and great singing from everyone. I knew I'd be hearing the best from the established singers and musicians but the Doyle family of young musicians were excellent and Nell Ni Chroinin is outstanding. I especially enjoyed the second half with them all sharing the stage, taking turns to perform. I also thought the sound was superb. In general I hate amplification with its volume and distortion and, in particular, I hate singers who glue their lips to the microphone. At this concert the microphones were well away from the performers and the sound and set up made you feel as if they were all sitting in your own kitchen with you.

If I've got any minor criticisms of the week or other events I'll keep them to myself in a public forum – overall it was great; (just sorry I made it to the Middle Bar so seldom this year). Still, well done to all involved.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,moira(flyingcat)
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 01:22 PM

I thought the festival was great this year as usual. A few comments though (I also couldnt find a feedback form)
I found it a bit off when one of the performers apologised in advance if the voice wasn't up to scratch after having been up till four O'clock that morning singing and carousing with friends (not the exact words but that was what was meant). Don't think this is a very professional comment to make in front of an audience who have paid to see you.
My only other complaint was the Manor Pavilion stewarding. Both concerts I attended there were spoiled by people being allowed in at the back and expecting people to stand up to allow them to get to vacant seats all while performers were actually singing. Might I suggest that the the back door is stewarded or at least a sign put on the door asking people not to enter till they hear the applause. This has worked well in the past.
Lots of good stuff going tho, the sound in the pavillion was brilliant as were all the other events i usually attend were brillant too. Roll on next year and I wouldn't have Joanie's job for anything!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,Gill Loomes (Greenclogs)
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 05:33 PM

Had a FAB time! Jon and I are celebrating the anniversary of our engagement tomorrow - we got engaged on the way home from Sidmouth '10 at Strensham Services where he proposed with an onion ring (!) having tried all week to find the 'right' time! Wonder how many couples have Sidmouth memories like that! Many, I would think!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Leadfingers
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 05:47 PM

The couple who's house I stayed at celebrated their first anniversary on Friday , having got married last year and had the reception in The Newt after our lunchtime session !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,s-j in london
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 05:52 PM

had a great time, only fit in one session though, hope to do more if I make it there next year! Hope so!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Rumncoke
Date: 06 Aug 11 - 06:05 PM

Got back home unloaded the van and went to bed, I am still shattered.

Taking a bike to the festival was a good idea. Using it to get from one venue to another when one thing finished and the next started at the same time meant that I was only slightly late.

The first week in August must be the shortest of the year, it just flies by.

Roll on next year's festival.

Anne Croucher

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: JennyO
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 08:32 AM

Yes, I agree about the length of the festival - way too short. Time just flew by.

Like some others, Sidmouth in 2010 was special for us too.
After a long wait, I had just got my visa to live in the UK, and managed to get a flight from Oz very quickly, in time for Rob to pick me up and get to Sidmouth by the Monday, only missing the first 2 days. When we saw the fireworks at the end, we agreed it was very nice of them to put on a fireworks display especially to celebrate our finally being together permanently ;)

This year was great - even better in lots of ways! I think we got the right tickets. We used our season tickets a lot for workshops etc and were really glad that we also had tickets for the Spooky Mens Chorale and The Transports, both of which were excellent. I still can't get over the queues though. You don't see that at Oz festivals - it's just first in, best dressed there.

We had a lot of fun with the Spookies, who of course I am familiar with already, as they are from the Blue Mountains, not far from where I lived in Sydney, and I knew some of the original members of the group. There was the Spooky Lunchtime Thing where we ended marching through the town singing "Let me through - ou - ou, let me through - ou - ou...", and on the last day I happened across them at the end of one of their secret gigs, and found out they were doing another one at midnight. So after a rousing session in the Middle Bar, mixed in with popping out to catch the parade and the fireworks, then back in to the Middle Bar again to sing things like Rolling Home and Music Man, which is quite mad (freda underhill couldn't believe her ears ;)) we then went round to the little church in Chapel Street for a delightful late Spooky concert to finish up the festival.

Other highlights included a lunchtime concert in the Ham with Steve Knightly, Philip Henry and Hannah Martin and Luke Jackson (17 year old prodigy), some lovely relaxing meals in the restaurant above the Secret Garden, which seems to be one of Sidmouth's best kept secrets, the dancing displays in the street, Middle Bar sessions and singing in the sea on Thursday (we actually went in!), other sessions in the Radway and the Sailing Club, Doom, the Gloom and Despondency event on Thursday, and my purchase of a beautiful rich-toned viola.

That was only some of the highlights. They were too numerous to mention. Can't wait till next year!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,ifor
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 10:55 AM

I'd like to mention the absolutely wonderful singing and playing of Fernhill at the Methodist Church on the Friday night.
The songs in Welsh and English were so beautiful and Julie Murphy surely has one of the most expressive voices in the land.I'd also like to mention Christine Cooper on fiddle...an exquisite musician and her voiceover on the song/poem 'Glyn Tawe' was quite haunting!The album ,Canu Rhydd, is a delight!
I was also in the Ham for The Transports on Thursday night.....it was brilliant and the standing ovation was well deserved!Damien Barber's song at the beginning of the second set was impressive!
I also enjoyed the performance of Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies at the theatre. Great stuff!
A wonderful week and congratulations to all involved in its organisation!
ifor

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 12:58 PM

The feedback questionnaires will go up on the website today or tomorrow. We're a bit knackered here ....
Moira flying cat - I agree about the unprofessional approach. Could you email me to tell me who it was please? press@sidmouth etc....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,Kate C
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 01:40 PM

Oh please - it's a festival! Spontaneous out-of-hours events and late-night sessions are what add to the atmosphere and uniqueness of a festival and of individual performances. Let's not get into this kind of thing.
Especially when you consider what some of the most renowned performers have been apparently notorious for! Please lighten up folks,
Kate x

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 06:27 PM

A bit knackered?

Not half as wrecked as some of the social and ceilidh dancers.

We had so much space to dance in this year we took full advantage of it.

Must rush - so much to write, so little time......

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,Kate E
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 02:39 AM

Quite right Kate C. They'll be sending people home because they're drunk next.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 04:23 AM

MoiraFC you don't say whether the actual performance that followed was below par or whether it was just the advance comment that hinted it might be and offended you.

Did you not like the performance? Was the performer's voice noticeably worse than normal? Was this towards the start of their time at Sidmouth or after they'd already played several gigs? (On more than one occasion MCs apologised that performers could not stay too long as they had to go on to other gigs scheduled almost at the same time.) Are you sure the performer was not trying to make light of a heavy week and busy schedule?

All the performers I saw gave incredible value for money and worked really hard, including the many informal appearances at singarounds and sessions (some late at night) - which is what makes Sidmouth a proper festival rather than just a collection of concerts. It would be much less of a success if performers just turned up, appeared on stage to recreate a "CD-performance" and then went home.

Personally I rather like the festival atmosphere both on and off stage.

Grumbling over (it's my age)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 04:28 AM

"What about Home Service" ? says Bonzo3legs.

ABSOLUTELY TOP-CLASS!
They got 2 reports in the Sidmouth Herald, including "Home Service blows audience away", which were exactly my words too. (Maybe a double meaning there as some folk left early - maybe had other things to do or too loud for them!) But a standing ovation at the end.
Bought the CD and played it in the car on the long trail home yesterday: even my other half, who complained when i switched off his beloved Classic FM, seemed to enjoy it!
Don't miss them at other festivals if you missed it there!
For me, that was best concert of the week, although there were some others I wanted to go to and couldn't get into. Haven't yet done the maths to see if it was worth buying the week season ticket, but with workshops and other concerts taken into account, it was probably break-even.

John Kirkpatrick's Big Band workshop was, as usual, inspirational, sheer enjoyment, and very much worth getting out of bed for 9.30.!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 04:39 AM

Granted a festival is a festival but it is also one that claims to be a premier event and sells tickets at over £20 each - punters have a right to expect a professional performance even if it is a less expensive event in the Manor Pav. If it was a sing-song in the local pub or at a small village festival and with tickets at £3 that would be different.

Equally, dancers paying £8 or £10 could reasonably expect the festival management to have some concern for their well-being and open side flaps in the Blackmore Gardens when the marquee began to become severely overheated. I had to almost shout at the people in charge this year, but it worked. If the marquee had been more than half full (which it rarely was) and if the weather had been warmer it would have become as insufferable as in past years.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Vic Smith
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 05:32 AM

ETHNO IN TRANSIT!!!!

The best new band that I have seen in many a year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Folknacious
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 08:50 AM

ETHNO IN TRANSIT!!!!

I preferred the old band when they were in a VW camper van. The acoustics were better.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: JHW
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 12:51 PM

Were there less people? Alpha were concerned that trade was down on the campsite buses. If they didn't run that would be the end of the festival for me. Though I arrive by car I never attempt to find parking down town.

Really enjoyed the Woodlands theme sessions. Sorry I missed some. Long may Colin think up new themes.
Grateful thanks also to Shrewsbury Taff for running the York and Faulk nights seamlessly in Rosie's absence.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 01:51 PM

Lyrics - Sidmouth Folk Festival Blues

Well I woke up this morning, that's the way I start my day
I popped some 'Hermecetis', had a fix of 'Special K'
Packed my Larry Adler mouth harp, bio rhythms riding high
I was goin' to Sidmouth folk fest, where old teachers go to die
I tried to sing my songs, but they wouldn't let me sing the blues

I ain't a man to let those sleeping dogs grow under my feet
A man raised on the blues is a man who can't be beat
There were guys with ribbons & bells, dancing round and round
Going round in circles has always got me down
I'd nothing more to lose cos they wouldn't let me sing the blues

Went to a shanty workshop, now sea-songs ain't my scene
There was heavy duty drinkin' and the floor began to lean
I heard 'heel ya hos' and 'haul aways' and 'doodle let me goes'
And Scotsmen harmonising, now that gets up my nose
They just kept on and on, but they wouldn't let me sing the blues

So come all you 12 bar bluesers, if you want to sing your song
Don't take your band to Sidmouth cos you won't be staying long
You'11 hear l-o-n-g songs by people just alive
And duelling concertinas trying to murder Chieftains five
Play anything you choose, but never try to sing the blues

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Johnny J
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 01:57 PM

Oops, the last post was mine. I wasn't logged in...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Vic Smith
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 02:47 PM

Nearly 200 photos of the festival available by clicking here

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 05:00 PM

Feedback forms now on the website:

http://www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk/

General feedback and workshop questionnaires both downloadable.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 07:21 PM

One brief aside for the Newt (from the host), and ditto for the Radway.

And apparently none of you bothered to look at the Bedford, whose landlord, Colin Pyne, has been a stalwart supporter of Sidmouth Folk Week for more years than I care to remember, the Royal York & Falconer, or the Swan.

Without those sessions, Sidmouth would have died when Steve Heap quit, and they don't warrant a decent mention.

I wasn't able to afford to go this year because my pension wouldn't allow, and my health precluded stewarding, and if the preceeding posts represent the attendance, I may have got the best of the bargain.

I am frankly disgusted

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 07:28 PM

Just because the Bedford, Royal York and Swan are not mentioned here doesn't mean no-one went in there! All 3 were very busy as far as my observations are concerned. The Royal York were chasing the Middle Bar in total collections.
And I understand there were more people on the campsite. the buses were run by Hookways, not Alpha. Mind you, Hookways went bust on the last day of the festival - buses continued running thanks to the official receiver - so the festival may be looking for another operator next year.
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,suegorgeous
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 07:36 PM

There's a big difference between a performer bantering their voice isn't up to scratch, and their voice actually not being up to scratch. Nothing wrong at all with the first in my opinion, and Moira doesn't make clear which it was.

Sue

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 07:58 PM

ah buses, please go back to Stagecoach. When they and their predecessors had the contract thay used to run late night buses back to Exeter, Exmouth and Honiton. Now, the last bus back to Exmouth is at 19.10!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 08:03 PM

Don, I spent a lot of time in the Middle Bar at the Anchor, somewhat less in the Bedford (only because I had an 11pm curfew to get back out to Sidbury every night). No need to be disgusted as they were largely jam-packed, and we do all appreciate hugely what the Pyne family do for Sidmouth Folkweek.
What some of did find about the the main bar in the Bedford was that at times some of the listening etiquette had totally flown out the windows, and that does need to be addressed and some degree of respect for other session members doing their wee turn brought back: singers were often in the minority and struggled to be heard as the chat (not just from those congregated at the bar), rose to insuperable levels.
So some did vote with their feet and go to other places where people would actually listen (whether to a tune or a song).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Acorn4
Date: 09 Aug 11 - 04:22 AM

We actually had a great session in the Bedford late Friday afternoon. Both audience and performers were listening to the turns. A rather nice touch was that the "old time" session in the other bar had dwindled to just a couple and they came through and made just one session in the main bar.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Aug 11 - 04:25 AM

I would be worried by the somewhat censorious "I've paid for this so entertain me" mentality that some seem to show.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: JHW
Date: 09 Aug 11 - 05:59 AM

The Campsite buses to Thorn, Oakdown, Kingsdown Tail Etc.
Are run by ALPHA
Though upping the price slightly for fuel costs their takings were down.
If they didn't run I wouldn't consider going back to the festival site.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: The Barden of England
Date: 09 Aug 11 - 06:23 AM

I had probably the best Sidmouth bar none. No hangovers, some stonking sessions both in The Bedford (singing and playing) and The Swan (also singing and playing), went to my usual couple of concerts that I fancied, renewed old friendships and finally used the festival campsite for the first time. I will certainly be doing that next year too.
My personal thanks go to Colin & Bev Pyne, who work till they drop during the folk week, and I know how hard they work the rest of the year for the festival.
The organisers really have taken up the mantle in my mind and are moving this wonderful festival in the right direction so a big thanks to you and the volunteer stewards too.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Aug 11 - 06:25 AM

No hangover? John, are you well?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: GUEST,moira(flyingcat
Date: 09 Aug 11 - 06:26 AM

Well, i seem to have raised a few hackles by my comments but i will stand by what i said.
The reason being that if someone is expecting to earn living as a professional musician they they need to respect the audience who has paid to listen to them. Richard, If people like me didn't pay to see these performers they wouldn't be able to earn a living at all. Why do they do it if not to entertain and why should i be happy to accept less than their best because they'd been up carousing the previous night. Would you accept it from any other type of performer eg an actor or are folkies supposed not to bother?
It also doesn't matter if the person performance was up to scratch or not, it was the attitude that was unprofession not necessarily the actual performance. I have absolutely no problem with performers letting of steam etc off stage but informing your audience that it may cause a problem I think is unacceptable. I didn't approve of comments like that in the past and still don't.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Festival as it happens
From: PercyBysshe
Date: 09 Aug 11 - 06:36 AM

I had a grand time at Sidmouth. I was stewarding in the Bedford every day so got to see some great stuff there - familiar and unfamiliar (one of the joys of stewarding). I loved the fact the Spooky Men were everywhere, so that even though I couldn't make the Monday night gig in the Ham (I was on duty) I didn't feel I'd missed out. The silent ceilidh/disco was my first, and it was a hoot, although after one dance in the ceilidh, I've realised I'm very unfit and need to do it more often. I enjoyed so many other acts I'm not even going to bother to list them. It's interesting that because it's such a huge festival, when you read other people's reports they could have been at a completely different one! I'd just like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in making it such a good week. I'm now exhausted and recovering from drinking more cider in a week than I normally drink in a year (which isn't very much by the way!)